Editor’s note: Every team is preparing to attack its offseason to-do list, with free agency set to open on March 13 and the draft April 26-28. This is the fifth of 32 reports in 32 days looking at the offseason game plan for each team. We’ll analyze the AFC first, in alphabetical order. Monday: Oakland Raiders. Tuesday: Pittsburgh Steelers.

The New York Jets severely overrated their talent entering the 2011 season, and can't afford to make the same mistake this season. General manager Mike Tannenbaum’s penchant for trading up in the draft has damaged the Jets’ overall depth, so he could try trading down this year.

The biggest issue the Jets face in 2012 is how to get the most out of talented but mercurial wideout Santonio Holmes, who ended the season at odds with erratic quarterback Mark Sanchez. Re-establishing chemistry between those two is a must.

They also might need to overhaul some of their personnel to fit into new coordinator Tony Sparano’s system. Tight end Dustin Keller has been Sanchez’s most reliable target, but can he block well enough to stay on the field in Sparano’s more run-oriented approach?

Keller is entering the final season of his five-year rookie deal, and it will be interesting to see how well he fits in this offense.

Key departures

Other than nose tackle Sione Pouha, the Jets might elect to let most of their unrestricted free agents leave. Both outside linebacker Bryan Thomas (Achilles' tendon) and safety Jim Leonhard (patellar tendon) are coming off season-ending injuries, and the Jets likely won’t keep both. Leonhard could possibly stay because he is a favorite of coach Rex Ryan, but even that doesn’t guarantee him a spot.

Kicker Nick Folk started off well in 2011 but slumped, and the Jets might move on from him in the belief that special teams guru Mike Westhoff can coach up any kicker.

Needs and targets

1. Safety. The Jets have been getting torched by opposing tight ends in recent seasons, and must get younger and faster at this position. Leonhard’s second season-ending injury in two years could make the Jets shy away from him, and Eric Smith would be better off as a sub.

The biggest name on the free agent board at this position is the Washington Redskins' LaRon Landry, but a slightly cheaper option could be the Oakland Raiders' Tyvon Branch, a hard hitter who also can cover. Branch also played his rookie season in 2008 under Rob Ryan. So he at least has some experience in a Ryan system, a very demanding one for safeties to learn.

2. Outside linebacker. The Jets still are feeling the effect of 2008 first-round pick Vernon Gholston being a bust, because they can't get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks without resorting to blitzing. They likely will retain restricted free agent Aaron Maybin, who resurrected his career with six sacks in 2011, but isn’t yet consistent enough to carry the load.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Anthony Spencer could fill the bill, and he also has experience playing in a defense run by Rex Ryan’s twin brother, Rob. Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw could be available with the 16th overall pick in the draft, which is currently the pick owned by the Jets.

3. Wide receiver. Sanchez hasn't been helped by the team's constant tinkering at this position, as an inconsistent quarterback has been unable to develop chemistry with any wideout. The Jets are stuck with Holmes, owed $15.25 million guaranteed, so Holmes and Sanchez two must work things out.

Braylon Edwards had a terrible season with the San Francisco 49ers, but bringing him back to the Jets wouldn’t be a bad move because he has a rapport with Sanchez. But would the Jets’ hierarchy be willing to admit a mistake?

4. Right tackle. Wayne Hunter didn’t play all that badly in his first season as a full-time starter, but did struggle against elite pass rushers. The Jets could bring in the Miami Dolphins' Vernon Carey, who would be well-versed in Sparano’s system. They also could look to the draft and target Stanford’s Jonathan Martin or Ohio State’s Mike Adams.

5. Nose tackle. The Jets were hoping third-round pick Kenrick Ellis could progress enough to be a viable option as a 2012 starter, but his learning curve was slow. The underrated Pouha has been valuable in the middle, but if they want to move on, they could look at the Dolphins' Paul Soliai, another player for whom Sparano could give them a detailed scouting report.

Pelzman's take

The Jets must get younger at numerous positions, and also must make sure they take character into account when making personnel moves. Holmes’ behind-the-scenes drama late in the season helped hasten the Jets’ collapse, and they must bring in players with good locker-room reputations because even a players’ coach such as Rex Ryan can't get through to everyone.

Going after Peyton Manning wouldn’t make sense for the Jets, simply because they already have a lot of money tied up in Sanchez. They should bring in a viable backup that would push Sanchez, something they didn’t allow 41-year-old Mark Brunell to do last season.

The Jets must stop making big free-agent splashes for name value and instead bring in players who fit their system.